Tehran Praises Shift in U.S. Position as Second Round of Nuclear Talks Looms

Iran signalled cautious optimism on Monday ahead of a fresh round of nuclear negotiations, saying the United States has adopted a “more realistic” position on Tehran’s atomic programme.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, quoted by state news agency IRNA, said discussions held so far in Muscat suggested a shift in Washington’s tone. He described the assessment as careful but indicated that messages conveyed to Tehran point to a more pragmatic US approach.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva to lead his country’s delegation in the second round of indirect talks, which are being mediated by Oman. The discussions are expected to focus primarily on Iran’s nuclear activities, although Washington has sought to broaden the agenda to include ballistic missile development and Tehran’s regional role.

The diplomatic push comes against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards began military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit chokepoint. Iranian officials have previously warned that rising tensions could affect shipping in the area.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains hopeful about reaching an agreement, stressing that the US prefers a negotiated and peaceful outcome.

A key issue remains Iran’s stockpile of more than 400 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity — a level approaching weapons-grade. The material was last inspected in June by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Ahead of the Geneva talks, Araghchi met IAEA chief Rafael Grossi for what Iranian officials described as in-depth technical consultations.

Tehran has suggested it could consider adjustments to its nuclear programme in exchange for meaningful sanctions relief, while maintaining that it will not accept terms framed as coercion. Iranian officials say any deal must deliver tangible economic benefits, particularly in sectors such as oil and gas, mining and aviation.

Meanwhile, Israel has reiterated calls for the complete dismantling of Iran’s enrichment capabilities and the removal of its highly enriched uranium stockpile — demands that underscore the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the talks.

With both sides expressing measured optimism but holding firm on core demands, the upcoming negotiations are being viewed as a critical test of whether momentum toward a renewed understanding can be sustained.